I Gave Myself a '90s Makeover—See How I Did

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(Image credit: Michelle Plantan)

There I was innocently scrolling on Pinterest at 2 a.m. on a sleepless Tuesday night when I came upon a ’90s runway look that stopped my energetic thumb in its tracks. It was Nina Ricci’s S/S ’97 show and featured a blinged-out belly chain. Yes, I am 30 years old and am highly interested in adorning my midsection with rhinestones, as seen on my Instagram, but the idea of wearing one above my pants was highly novel to me. Many more ’90s runway rabbit holes followed, and I started testing out the freshest looks I could find. If you need more proof that the 1990s are more relevant than ever in 2018 or just want to see how I fared in adapting looks that are over two decades old, I encourage you to read on. Like me, you may just find your inner ’90s child along the way.

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YSL S/S '93
(Image credit: Getty Images)

We all know a square neckline is about as 2018 as it gets, but it turns out that the style was en vogue over 20 years ago too.

My Take on a Square-Neck Top + Statement Accessories

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(Image credit: @zac.wolf)

Note to self: An all-black outfit is a perfect canvas for layering on the accessories.

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Dior S/S '97
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Until I saw this photo, I wasn’t aware that a see-through top paired with square sunglasses made for a painfully cool combination. The more you know.

My Take on Square Sunglasses + Sheer

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(Image credit: Michelle Plantan)

While not appropriate for the office, my attempt at this ’90s look turned out to be perfect for a sunny weekend.

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YSL S/S '94
(Image credit: Getty Images)

This woman has it going on. The puff-sleeve trend is only gaining steam, and we all know how fashion is collectively feeling about a statement straw hat. Thanks, Jacquemus.

My Take on a Romantic Floral Top + Straw Hat

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(Image credit: @zac.wolf)

Pro tip: A puff-sleeve top becomes even chiller when the back is left undone.

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Valentino S/S '95
(Image credit: Getty Images)

I would 1000% wear this exactly as is. The color, the sequin cutouts, and the micro spaghetti straps all make me way too excited.

My Take on a Double-knotted Dress

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(Image credit: @katcollings)

The pink part was nonnegotiable. I do like how this current party dress has little bands for a bow-like effect.

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Sonia Rykiel S/S '97
(Image credit: Getty Images)

I cannot imagine a more pleasing combination than belly bling paired with a no-nonsense tweed suit. I sincerely hope this image lived up to the hype.

My Take on a Rhinestone Belly Belt

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A rhinestone belly belt, as I am charmingly calling this, is not a trend for the shy at heart. I tried this outfit at Coachella, where it was a rather tame look compared to many of the sartorial efforts around me. I recommend pairing it with the pair of pants you own that features the highest rise so just a sliver of skin, albeit bedazzled skin, is showing.

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Sonia Rykiel S/S '92
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Matching sets are usually a delight, and this breezy iteration is no exception.

My Take on a Summer Suit

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(Image credit: @zac.wolf)

Short suits are having a moment, but I choose to shave my legs about once a quarter, so this iteration better suits (see what I did there?) my laissez-faire leg hair lifestyle.

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I'll leave you with a sneak peek at my fall look: YSL F/W '88
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Editor in Chief

Kat Collings has over 15 years of experience in the editorial fashion space, largely in digital publishing. She currently leads the vision for editorial content at WhoWhatWear.com as the site's editor in chief, having risen through the editorial ranks after joining the company in 2012. Collings is a Digiday Future Leader Awards nominee, was named Buzzfeed's best fashion Instagram accounts of the year, and is a member of the CFDA Awards Fashion Guild. Prior to Who What Wear, Collings worked on styling projects for brands such as Vogue, Teen Vogue, Lucky, and Oliver Peoples. She graduated from UCLA with a BA in communications and calls Los Angeles home.